Halloween weekend rules and regulations

Oct 7, 2010Hannah Meiser

Halloween weekend in Athens is unlike any other weekend of the year. Ohio University has guidelines to keep students and residents safe during this busy time. From restricted parking to wristbands in the residence halls, knowing and abiding by all the regulations is important and can spare later headaches.

This year, the official Halloween weekend is Friday, Oct. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 31.

Parking and transportation
Halloween-specific campus parking restrictions begin at 3 p.m. on Friday and end at 7 a.m. on Sunday. Faculty, staff and currently enrolled Ohio University students with displayed, valid permits are the only vehicles that may park in the University lots.

Baker University Garage will be closed to the public from 5 p.m. Friday through 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Off-campus parking will be available at the Athens County Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 29 until Monday, Nov. 1., and has previously cost $20 for the weekend. Athens Transit buses run until 2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights from the Fairgrounds to the uptown area.

The Athens City Parking Garage on Washington Street will also be open for the weekend.

For more parking information, visit the Parking Services website or call 740-593-1917.
Residence halls
For the safety and security of Ohio University students living in the residence halls, only one guest is permitted per student. Guests must be pre-registered and are charged a fee of $25 upon arrival; registration begins Oct. 18 and ends Oct. 25 in hall staff offices.

The $25 fee was instated three years ago by the university to help pay for the many security measures put in place by the school. Judy Piercy, associate director for residential education, estimated that Ohio University spent more than $100,000 on security for last year’s Halloween weekend, which hosted 1600 guests.

These safety measures include lock changes on all external residence hall doors, excluding main entrances. The largest portion of the spending, estimated around $40,000 for last year, helps pay for door watchers outside of the residence halls to ensure only permitted students and their guests enter the buildings.

Additionally, the University sponsors “Green Jacket” employee volunteers to conduct rounds on campus and Mill Street to act as a resource and an added presence for students' safety. Last year there were 98 Green Jacket volunteers.

As proof of registration, the University provides guests with wristbands with the hall name and room number of their host. Guests are required to be wear these. Ohio University students are not required to wear the wristbands but cannot enter other residence halls without one.

All students must adhere to the traditional University policies that are in place all year. To review residence hall policies, visit the Guide to Residential Living.